Brian C. Konkel, JD

Brian is a member of the Firm’s litigation, entertainment, and sports law practice groups. Brian’s civil litigation practice includes commercial, construction, products liability, and other catastrophic loss claims. As a member of the firm’s sports law practice group, Brian counsels players, coaches, teams, schools, and other athletic entities on a wide array of legal issues, including disappointment lawsuits, eligibility questions in the collegiate and high school context, drug testing and doping, recreational immunity, social media policy concerns, Olympic issues, and matters seeking injunctive relief. Brian serves as an advisor to amateur athletes (while not violating NCAA Bylaws) on matters involving recruitment, transfer, and turning professional. Brian’s sports and litigation practices often intersect in matters involving sports equipment and products, and various issues arising at athletic facilities. In his entertainment practice, Brian counsels numerous music and art festivals, and other events on matters including contract formation and negotiation, risk management, insurance needs, and intellectual property.

Prior to joining the Firm, Brian was an Associate at SmithAmundsen LLC. Brian’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law (Cum Laude). Brian was also the recipient of DePaul University College of Law’s Law Merit Scholarship. Brian is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, and the Defense Research Institute (DRI), Young Lawyers Committee. Brian is also a frequent columnist for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Emerging Lawyers - Emerging Lawyers have been identified by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS who are age 40 or younger unless they have practiced for no more than 10 years. Less than 2% of all lawyers licensed in each state have received the distinction of Emerging Lawyer.

Michael A. Passananti

Closely & Privately Held Business Law
Tax Law: Business
Tax Law: Individual
Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Scott A. Sissel

Closely & Privately Held Business Law
Tax Law: Individual
Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Rafael A. Ruiz-Ayala

Closely & Privately Held Business Law
Health Law
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Publicly Held Corporations Law
Securities & Venture Finance Law

Emerging Lawyers have been identified by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS who are age 40 or younger or have been admitted to the practice of law for 10 or less years. Less than 2% of all lawyers licensed in each state have received the distinction of Emerging Lawyer. Brian has been recognized specifically in the Arts, Entertainment, and Sports Law category.

The Illinois Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 180/1-1) has undergone significant changes via House Bill 4361, which was signed into law by Governor Rauner on July 28, 2016. These amendments took effect July 1, 2017. The consequences of the amendments to the Act may require revisiting and amending existing documents to ensure compliance with new provisions under the Act, and consistency with the intent of the parties. Some of these changes are detailed below. Please feel free to contact us to discuss how these amendments may impact you.